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About Me

Dywane Thomas Jr. changed his pseudonym from “Polyneon” to “MonoNeon” on October 26, 2011.

MonoNeon (Dywane Thomas Jr.) formerly known as Polyneon (born August 6, 1990) is a bassist/experimental musician. His bass playing style can be described as “funky with unusual characteristics”. His compositions are usually based on ideas inspired by various avant-garde art movements (Minimalism, Dadaism, Surrealism, Pop Art, and etc). Also his music is characterized by polychromatism (colors), organized sound/noise, microtonality, automatism, and etc. His influences are John Cage, Iannis Xenakis, Morton Feldman, Ivan Wyschnegradsky, Milton Babbitt, and etc. One of Thomas’ primary goals is to possibly combine the sounds of John Cage and Mavis Staples, Iannis Xenakis and Bobby Womack, Stockhausen and Albert King in his bass playing and compositions.

MonoNeon is currently developing his very own ‘’Southern Soul Micro’’® sound that involves microtonality, concepts of various visual art movements in music and the greasiest grooves this side of the Mississippi!!

Dywane was born in Memphis, TN. He began playing bass guitar at 4 years old, playing a right-handed bass upside down (lefty). He is actually right-handed but plays left-handed. His musical background is blues/southern soul and funk (Z.Z. Hill, Johnnie Taylor, Little Milton, Denise LaSalle and etc). Followed by branching out into gospel, avant-garde/experimental music, and etc.

The “Polyneon” concept (now known as “MonoNeon”) that Dywane created is something that was developed through years of introspection and when he stopped thinking about the worldly idea of becoming or being a great musician. “Polyneon” (now known as MonoNeon) is not only based on musical ideas, but also his way of living. The idea is vague and is still being developed.

The “Readymade bass”: One distinctive characteristic of Thomas’ “readymade bass” is the ordinary sock covering the headstock. Also the use of colorful duct tape, the “Polyneon” (MonoNeon) name, and other mundane items upon his basses. I guess you can think of it as a parody of the electric bass. Readymade art is actually a 20th century art form from Dadaism, that was developed by Marcel Duchamp.

“I am not much of a bassist, but I am making sure my personality is audible in my playing”. – MonoNeon

“Play and create what you want before you leave this place” – MonoNeon

“Love or hate the art that is being created, but either way, you felt it.” – MonoNeon

“It’s not about being different anymore, it’s about doing what I want.” – MonoNeon

“Write your own vision and read it. Your vision may or may not be heard or seen by the entire world but at least you know you are creating something that is yours.” – MonoNeon